The Perfect Hunter Escape
Escape to the Hunter Valley, where world-famous wineries, acclaimed restaurants, delicious local produce and luxurious hideaways are in abundance. Surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, and only two hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is the perfect destination to visit and is stunning any time of the year. Here are our top picks to create the perfect itinerary that will delight couples, groups and families alike;
Stop 1: Set on the crest of a hill, the Audrey Wilkinson cellar door has 360-degree views of the picturesque patchwork of vines and paddocks of the Hunter Valley. The sandstone and timber building suggests the deep history of the vineyard, with vines first planted by the Wilkinson family in 1866.
One of the most popular cellar doors in Australia, Audrey Wilkinson is a must-visit when in the Hunter Valley region. The homestead-style cellar door is encircled by an expansive verandah, the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine while soaking up the breathtaking views.
With a variety of options available to enjoy such as our marquee ‘Picnic Among the Vines’ experience, indulgent ‘Fortified & Fromage’ experience, or simply the joy of tasting some of the Hunter Valleys best wines in the most beautiful vineyard in Australia. Be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Stop 2: Equally as beautiful vista, the Pooles Rock cellar door is housed in a stunning architecturally designed building, perched on the edge of a picturesque dam – it boasts views of lush green vines and the impressive terrain of the Brokenback mountain range encircles the vineyard, a stunning setting to enjoy a premium wine and food experience.
Pooles Rock was founded over 40 years ago and quickly built a reputation for classic, full-bodied Hunter Valley Chardonnay. Pooles Rock wines is now synonymous with the very best of the Hunter Valley Classics – Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. The wines continue to be made in a classic style, showcasing single vineyard sites of exceptional quality and reputation. In particular, the Post Office Vineyard in the sub region of Pokolbin with Shiraz vines over 120 years old and the Soldier Settlers Vineyard in the sub region of broke footage with both Chardonnay and Semillon vines reportedly over 100 years old.
Stop 3: Located conveniently beside Pooles Rock, Hunters Quarter (HQ) is a relaxed and elegant dining destination, perfect for lunch or dinner. A classic dining space with something for everyone – whatever the occasion. Discover a contemporary dining experience with welcoming service in a unique and beautiful setting. With a private terrace in the Pooles Rock vineyards, it’s the perfect place to while away a few hours with family, friends and fantastic food. Come in and settle into a chair in our restaurant and dine on a fresh seasonal dish or two.
Stop 4: Take a moment to settle into your accommodation – there’s an array of first-class options spread throughout the Hunter, depending on what your group fancies. For a charming cottage conveniently located in the vineyard at Audrey Wilkinson or Pooles Rock, choose from a range of picture-perfect self-contained cottages that sleep between 2-8, all located a stone’s throw from the cellar doors of Audrey Wilkinson or Pooles Rock.
Or for a more hotel-style stay, you can’t go past the luxurious Voco Kirkton Park. Set on 70 acres of manicured gardens with rolling countryside views and the Brokenback Ranges in the distance, wake up in elegant and stylish rooms and suites with picturesque views every day of your stay at voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.
Stop 5: End your day with dinner at local favourite Twine Restaurant – Offering a modern Australian menu, showcasing local produce, picturesque views, Hunter Valley wines & fantastic service. The Twine menu is vast and matched with a stunning array of local wines.
And while the Hunter Valley is best known for it’s plentiful wine and food options, there are also some other wonderful activities you might consider enjoying while you are there – try a class at Our Italian Table. Located in the beautiful Nicita Estate nestled amongst the vines, with views in all directions. Jen and her team have a passion to provide guests with a food and wine experience you’ll remember for time to come. Book your cooking class ahead here.
Or feel like some pampering after a full day of wine’ing? Give the lovely team at Heavenly Hunter Massages a call. Heavenly Hunter Massage offers divine massages, skin care treats and healing Reiki Treatments from their Mini Day Spa at the Mercure Resort, Hunter Valley Gardens as well as mobile treatments.